From LeeH: Moscow & St Petersburg Opolchenie (100 Points)

In addition to the regular Russian army, the Tsar could call upon a huge number of volunteers to provide reserves and garrisons, and even fight alongside regular infantry. The Opolchenie militia enrolled over 220,000 men in 1812 and became a vital element in Russia’s defence. During the French retreat from Moscow, the Opolchenie were increasingly used to pursue the French and in front-line roles alongside regular units, which were by this time tired and depleted. The training was rudimentary at best with an emphasis on musketry and the charge. 

These two units are Front Rank figures and represent some of the better-armed “Jager” Opolchenie equipped with a rudimentary uniform and a Musket. There were also some mounted units armed with lances and other foot units armed only with a Pike and an axe. These would often follow up the Jager units and some sources refer to these troops as ‘foot cossacks’. Although initially used only for reserve roles they were increasingly used to fill gaps in regular troops. What they lacked in training they often made up for in bravery and ferocity in melee. 

Both units have a Kaftan-style jacket and trousers, and a backpack with black belts which wouldn’t be out of place in a regular Jager unit. The Moscow Opolchenie are dressed in brown with a tall fur hat, while the St Petersburg militia are in green with a soft cap similar to the infantry forage cap. In both cases, they display a brass cross symbol on their headgear, a symbol of their loyalty to the Tsar.

I think I am going to buy more Opolchenie although I think my next lot will be the pike-armed variety plus some cavalry… yet again I am expanding the army before I have even finished painting the first batch! 

(Scoring: 20x28mm Foot = 100 points)

More fine Russians, great! Your army grows at a steady pace, and each new contribution continues to delight me. These militiamen definitely look ready to defend Mother Russia from the Corsican Ogre! They do have, indeed, a rather regular look and I like the drab colours on their uniforms. And of course, you will need further reinforcements. We always do! Very well done Lee, 100 points added to your total.

Martijn